MOULTRIE – Stamp Out Hunger, the annual drive that channels the altruism of Postal Service employees to collect food donations for local communities, is set to return this coming Saturday, May 11, after a hiatus since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spearheaded by the National Association of Letter Carriers, this one-day event holds the distinction of being the nation’s largest single-day food drive.

Locally, the event is returning at this time thanks to the United Way of Colquitt County, according to a press release from the charity. The decision to resurrect the initiative was propelled by a staggering increase in meals provided by the local food bank in recent years. In 2023 alone, the food bank distributed more than 411,000 meals — 44.3% more than 2022’s tally of more than 285,000 meals.

“We are witnessing a growing need within our community, and it’s imperative that we rally together to address it,” stated Caroline Horne, executive director at UWCC. “The Stamp Out Hunger drive presents an invaluable opportunity for residents to make a tangible impact on the lives of their neighbors facing food insecurity.”

Bags for collecting food donations will be distributed to households this Wednesday via USPS, accompanied by an explanatory card detailing the drive’s purpose and logistics.

Bags were donated by Al Solanki, owner of the local Save-A-Lot store, and the United Way extended its gratitude to him and to Postmaster Chris Roberts and Will Rowley, also of USPS, for assisting in making this event possible.

Stamp Out Hunger operates on a simple premise: Residents are encouraged to fill the provided bags with nutritious, nonperishable food items and place them by their mailboxes for postal carriers to collect during their regular rounds. Postal employees then deliver these donations, with local help, to the post office, where volunteers will assist in loading the items into bins, ensuring that individuals and families in need have access to essential sustenance.

For those interested in participating and volunteering in the Stamp Out Hunger drive, please contact the United Way Office at (229) 985-2627 or send an email to admin@uwccga.org to sign up for a volunteer time slot.